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Gram stain of skin lesion

Definition

A gram stain of a skin lesion is a laboratory test that uses special stains to detect and identify bacteria in a sample from a skin sore. The gram stain method is one of the most commonly used techniques for the rapid diagnosis of bacterial infections.

Alternative Names

Skin lesion gram stain

How the Test is Performed

Your health care provider will remove a sample of tissue from the skin sore. For information on how this is done, see the article on skin lesion biopsy.

The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is applied in a very thin layer to a glass slide. A series of different colored stains is applied to the sample. A laboratory team member examines the stained slide under a microscope, checking for bacteria. The color, size, and shape of the cells help identify the infecting organism.

How to Prepare for the Test

No preparation is needed for the laboratory test.

How the Test Will Feel

The laboratory test is painless. For information on what it feels like to have the skin sample removed, see skin lesion biopsy.

Why the Test is Performed

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of an infected skin sore. The test is done to determine which bacteria is causing the infection.

Normal Results

The test is normal if no bacteria are identified.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result means bacteria have been found in the skin lesion. Further tests are needed to confirm the results.

Risks

There are no risks related to the laboratory test. For information on risks related to the removal of a skin sample, see skin lesion biopsy.

Considerations

A skin or mucosal culture may be done along with this test. Other studies are often done on a skin sample to determine if cancer is present.

Viral skin lesions, like herpes simplex, are examined by other tests or a viral culture.

Review Date: 11/26/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Daniel Levy, MD, Infectious Disease, Maryland Family Care, Lutherville, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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